The Audition: “Turn It Up” and World Domination 🇬🇭
Menn on Poinnt—comprising friends Reggie and Bollie, who were originally from Ghana but resided in the UK—walked onto the stage of The X Factor UK Series 12 (2015) with an energy that was immediately palpable. Before their performance, they boldly declared their ambition was “world domination”, though they joked they would “settle for a place at Boot Camp for now”. This confident, larger-than-life introduction set the stage for an audition unlike any other that year.
The judging panel for the 2015 series consisted of Simon Cowell, Rita Ora, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini (often credited as simply Cheryl), and Nick Grimshaw. The duo chose to perform an original song titled “Turn It Up”. This choice was a major risk on The X Factor, where contestants typically perform well-known covers. However, it was this originality that made their audition so memorable.
The Performance: An Explosion of Energy 💥
The moment the music started, Menn on Poinnt delivered on their promise to “turn the energy up!”. Their performance was a bombastic mix of high-energy Afrobeats, pop, and dance hall, often described as having a Sean Paul-a-like sound. It was more of a party than a typical audition, focusing heavily on rhythm, vibrant dance moves, and catchy, call-and-response vocals. The duo lacked the technical vocal finesse of traditional X Factor singers, but they made up for it with their “boundless energy” and infectious charisma.
The effect on the room was immediate and dramatic:
- The audience started cheering, clapping, and “bouncing”.
- Judge Rita Ora was particularly enthusiastic, getting visibly into the performance and moving along to the beat.
- Even the notoriously stoic Simon Cowell couldn’t deny the effect of their performance, though he initially looked “dumbfounded”.
The performance completely broke the usual tension of the audition room, turning it into a genuine, spontaneous party. 🥳
The Judges’ Verdict: “Completely Nuts” But Brilliant 👏
After the crowd’s “rapturous reception,” the judges were quick to deliver their praise, focusing on the sheer entertainment value of the duo.
- Cheryl Fernandez-Versini found their energy “infectious”.
- Nick Grimshaw noted that the positive feeling in the room was undeniable, saying, “not only was it good, people were bouncing in here”.
- Simon Cowell was perhaps the most surprised and offered a mix of playful critique and genuine support. He called them “completely nuts” but admitted they were “really funny,” comparing their dynamic to the animated duo Beavis and Butthead. Cowell concluded with a memorable, optimistic statement: “With you it is always going to be a sunny day”.
Ultimately, the judges loved their unique style and undeniable stage presence, resulting in four yeses and sending Menn on Poinnt straight through to the Boot Camp stage.
The Legacy: From Audition Duo to Finalists 🏆
Menn on Poinnt’s journey did not stop at the audition room. They were placed in the Groups category and mentored by Cheryl Fernandez-Versini. Before the Live Shows, they changed their name to Reggie ‘N’ Bollie.
Their consistent, high-energy, and fun performances resonated deeply with the public, who voted for them week after week, despite constant debate over their vocal technicality versus their pure entertainment factor.
Their popularity skyrocketed, leading to one of the most surprising final results in X Factor history:
- Reggie ‘N’ Bollie made it all the way to the Grand Final.
- They finished as the Runner-Up of the entire 2015 series, only beaten by the eventual winner, Louisa Johnson.
Their initial audition with “Turn It Up” defined their entire time on the show, setting the precedent for their fun, feel-good, and bombastic style that captured the imagination of millions and transformed them from an ambitious duo from Ghana into one of The X Factor’s most successful and entertaining acts. Their audition video remains a huge fan favorite, a testament to the power of pure, unapologetic entertainment. 🤩
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